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  • Why we target assets of drug barons, traffickers – NDLEA

    Why we target assets of drug barons, traffickers – NDLEA

    The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa on Wednesday justified the decision of the agency to go after assets of drug barons and traffickers.

    Marwa said this at a news briefing in Abuja to begin the week-long activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking.

    NAN reports that June 26 every year is set aside to commemorate the day.

    The theme of the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) is: “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”.

    Represented by Mr Shadrach Haruna, the Secretary of the agency, the NDLEA chairman said that the decision was part of ongoing offensive against illicit drugs peddlers and cartels in the industry.

    According to him, the offensive against drug cartels and traffickers inaugurated in January 2021, has till date continued to yield the desired result with the arrests and prosecutions of several barons.

    He said that in April, two serial traffickers got life imprisonment.

    According to him, our prosecution efforts have continued to achieve successes in courts given the painstaking investigations and diligence in the prosecution of cases.

    “Our water tight case preparations are unassailable. This has been further strengthened with our forfeiture regime with the passage of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).

    “Aside from conviction, the assets of the convicts used as instrumentality of the crime or the proceeds derived from the crime are forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “Indeed, a civil action in rem could be maintained against assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in which case the burden of proving the lawful origin of the asset will be on the defendant, who claims ownership of the asset.

    “This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate,” he said.

    Speaking on the drug demand reduction efforts of the agency, Marwa said that the flagship programme, War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) was built on the whole of society approach to preventive action against drug abuse.

    He said that the approach had been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness-driven vehicle.

    This, he said was for public engagement and collaboration against illicit trafficking and abuse, which aligned with the theme for the 2024 WDD.

    He said that the WDD observed on June 26 every year, “was an important day for the global community, and an occasion during, which current efforts against illicit drug problems were given policy direction for the next 12 months.

    Marwa said that the theme emphasised the importance of preventing people from falling into the danger of experimenting with illicit drugs and subsequently into the trap of dependence on psychoactive substances.

    According to him, prevention is an important aspect of the effort to curb the menace of abuse of illicit drugs in the society.

    “At NDLEA, prevention as ably anchored in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), social advocacy programme is a priority area for us.

    “Within our modest means and with the support of the Federal Government and our various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention by various means over the past three years.

    “This is part of the reforms being undertaken in the agency.” he said.

    Marwa expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for the support given to the agency in various ways in the onslaught against drug traffickers.

    He acknowledged that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) had been a strong support for the agency as well as the foreign partners, including the U.S.-Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

    Others he said included the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the British Border Force, National Crime Agency (NCA) of United Kingdom, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    The rest are the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police  Force (NPF), Immigration, NAFDAC, NFIU, NACA, FRSC and Civil Defence, among others.

    In his remarks, UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr Danilo Campisi called on government at all levels and other stakeholders in Nigeria to invest in drug use preventive measures.

    Campisi said that this would help to avoid a 40 per cent rise in the population of drug users in the country, especially among the youth.

    According to him, projections show that by 2030, there will be a 40 per cent increase in the use of drugs in Africa based on the population of young people.

    “This is extremely concerning, if we consider that 2030 is only six years away.

    “We are all familiar with the saying prevention is better than cure and considering the data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures.

    “I do not think it will be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency.

    “If the country is to take on the challenge of this projected increase in drug use, it is imperative that it adopts scientific evidence-based approaches that prioritise prevention and treatment.

  • Drug abuse fueling Insecurity in Nigeria – Marwa

    Drug abuse fueling Insecurity in Nigeria – Marwa

    Retired Bri-Gen. Bubs Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says drug abuse among Nigerians is the main driver of insecurity in the country.

    Marwa said this during the sensitisation and advocacy programme for women and youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday in Abuja.

    The NDLEA, in collaboration with Dr Aminu Gusau, organised the sensitisation programmes under the platform of WADA.

    The NDLEA boss was represented by Director, Drug Demand Reduction, Assistant Commandant General of Narcotics (ACGN)  Dr Ngozi Madubuike .

    He said that the involvement of women and youths in drug abuse had taken a frightening dimension in Nigeria adding that drug users now included young people, females and those living in rural areas.

    He also said that the problem of drug use among the youth was the problem of everyone which he said included the parents, the school, the general public and the youth themselves.

    According to him, the youth were the engine room of every society irrespective of tradition, culture and religion; the youth are vibrant, adventurous, energetic and brilliant.

    “Youth exhibit attitude both for the development of the society and at the same time for the creation of problems in the society.

    “Drug abuse leads to criminal offenses and this fuel insecurity such as armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, banditry among others.

    “This also leads to burglary and sex work. Evidences shows that young people use drugs for various reasons which include to relax, experimental/curiosity, to enhance performance among others, “he said.

    Marwa called on youths to shun drug abuse adding that it was harmful to health and had the potential to destroy their future.

    Earlier, the Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, commended the organisers of the sensitisation programme for choosing the topic considering the current trend of insecurity which he said was the most trying period.

    Gusau who was represented by his Special Assistant on intergovernmental issues, Mr Bala Chafe also believed drug abuse had been one of the factors that caused the prevalence of drug abuse in the region.

    He said that the target audience were the right group who mostly fell victims of this menace adding that that most of the social problems being experienced in the society today were due to drug abuse.

    “Kidnapping, banditry, rape, armed robbery among others are some of the negative consequences of this menace,

    “It is derailing the peace, progress and development of our teaming youth and by extension the nation, “he said.

    Also, the co-organiser of the sensitisation programme, Dr Aminu Gusau said that drug abuse was a complex and multifaceted problem that affected individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

    Gusau said that it does not only posed serious health risks but also contributed to social and economic challenges.

    He said that youths were the future of the Nation and played a vital role in nation-building.

    According to him, the use of drugs by the youth can have detrimental effects on the nation’s growth and development.

    “It can lead to a loss of productivity, increased crime rates and a burden on the healthcare system.

    “Let us therefore pledge to educate, empower, and support our women and youths in making informed decisions and leading healthy lives, “he said.

    According to reports various secondary school students, women and youths were present at the sensitisation and advocacy programmes

  • Gov. Zulum assures NDLEA of enhanced partnership as Marwa rallies Borno stakeholders

    Gov. Zulum assures NDLEA of enhanced partnership as Marwa rallies Borno stakeholders

    Shehu of Borno, other traditional rulers, religious leaders, LG chairmen, Unimaid, NGOs, agree on grassroots advocacy, drug test to curb drug menace
    Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA of his commitment to bolstering the current partnership between his government and the anti-narcotics agency to achieve the goal of a drug free society across all 27 local council areas of the state.
    Prof. Zulum gave the assurance when he hosted the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) who was in Borno for a three-day war against drug abuse, WADA, advocacy visit to mobilise relevant stakeholders to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
    While commending the governor for his remarkable achievements in office, Marwa briefed him on the purpose of his visit as part of his ongoing social advocacy sensitization efforts across the country to engage with stakeholders with a view to cascading WADA efforts at the national level down to the grassroots and communities.
    He said everything must be done to drastically reduce demand for illicit drugs and cut down access and availability of psychoactive substances because of the nexus between illicit drugs and the security challenges facing the state and the country as a whole.
    Governor Zulum in his response acknowledged Marwa’s inspiring leadership qualities everywhere he had served including Borno as the state’s former military governor and his commitment to the drug fight. He assured the NDLEA boss of the readiness of his government to strengthen and enlarge the existing collaboration in the interest of law and order as well as humanity.
    While on his advocacy visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Elkanemi, the NDLEA chairman urged the respected monarch to continue his support for the fight against illicit drugs while calling for drug test for intending couples as part of conditions for the conduct of weddings.
    He said this will discourage a lot of young people from going into substance abuse. In his response, the Shehu assured Marwa that all the 59 district heads under his emirate and the Chief Imam of Borno, Alhaji Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad present at the meeting will go back to their domains to implement the idea including setting up of drug control committees in their communities.
    The same understanding was equally reached in another engagement with the Council of Ulamas led by the Chief Imam, Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmad. The idea was equally endorsed by the Christian community in another meeting held with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Borno. Chairman of CAN in the state,
    Most Rev Dr. John Bogna Bakeni while commending Marwa’s integrity, hardwork and selfless service to humanity said “the Christian community in Borno is ever ready to partner with you and your agency on this course because government alone can’t fight the drug scourge.”
    Marwa and his delegation also made a stop over at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, where he encouraged the Theatre Commander, Major General Gold Chibuisi and his commanding officers to continue their support, patriotism and sacrifice for the nation.
    He called for more collaboration with NDLEA to cut off access to illicit drugs by insurgents as well as drug test and sensitization lectures for troops on the dangers of illicit substances to their wellbeing. Major Gen. Chibuisi in his response promised to make the drug fight part of the counter-insurgency efforts while increasing partnership with the anti-narcotics agency.
    In his meeting with chairmen of local government areas in the state, Marwa charged them on collaboration as the agency prepares to establish presence in all the local councils across the country in the coming year. The state Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele and the LGA bosses assured of their preparedness while offering suggestions on how the synergy will work.
    Also speaking during an advocacy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba and his management team, the NDLEA boss called for drug test for fresh and returning students to discourage those with disposition to abuse illicit substances.
    While asking that the school’s counselling unit be strengthened to be able to respond to early signs of drug abuse, Marwa also assured that “we’ll like to work with the university to fish out members of the university community selling illicit drugs.”
    In his response, Prof. Shugaba said “drug test is a great idea. We share and buy the idea and believe it will reduce drug abuse. The drug problem is of a serious concern in the university because most of those arrested for theft and other vices are found to be on drugs.
    As such, we will take your suggestions and implement them immediately.” He called for the setting up of an NDLEA Post on the campus and a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and the agency.
    A stakeholders meeting was later held at the Indimi Hall of the university where Marwa and his team had interactions with members of other security agencies, students, transport unions, women groups, Youth Corp members, civil society organisations and many others.

  • NDLEA intercepts explosives enroute bandits camp

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a consignment of 32 pieces of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), on its way to bandits’ camp in Niger.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi quoted the Chairman, NDLEA, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa as ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect, Musa Muhammadu caught with the explosives on Monday May 22 on Wawa Road, Kainji, Niger to the military authorities.

    He said that the agency had intensified operations at drug joints and routes nationwide, ahead of the May 29 inauguration of new administrations across the country.

    Babafemi said that operatives of the agency at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International (MMIA) Airport Ikeja Lagos, also intercepted a consignment of 30.10kg methamphetamine.

    He said that the consignment were billed to London.

    He added that another shipment containing 379grams of the same illicit substance concealed in false bottom of six black soap containers were recovered.

    Babafemi said that the drugs were packed in a carton containing local hand fans, heading to Cyprus in Europe.

    He also said that the officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), of the agency carried out the operation in a courier company in Lagos.

    Also, in Adamawa operatives on stop and search patrol on Michika- Bazza Road on Friday, May 26 arrested a Cameroonian, Ndawai Ngalou with a pair of Nigerian Army camouflage uniform bearing Sunday U and two ATM cards belonging to Turaki Mohammed and Ekene Izuegunam.

  • Women will be well represented in my administration – Tinubu

    Women will be well represented in my administration – Tinubu

    The President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured that women would be properly represented in his administration.

    Tinubu said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation of a book titled, “101 Nigerian Women of Impact” authored by Mrs Zainab Marwa.

    The President-elect was represented by the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Betta Edu.

    He said that Nigerian women have paid the price for the development, peace and unity of Nigeria, hence they must be appreciated.

    Tinubu congratulated the author for her accomplishments in the gender space, saying the book would inspire women to greatness.

    “All I can say is Nigerian women can go home smiling because you will have one of the best times in representation in government. Nigerian women will be appreciated.”

    Tinubu described the book lunch as a celebration of Nigerian women.

    “They have done well and are still doing well. We are proud of every effort that have been put on the table.

    “The message you have sent by writing the book to celebrate 101 women amongst over 100 million is simple: You can aspire to do more.

    “The second message is that working together we can change the picture of Nigeria.

    “Nigeria is at a turning point and the missing chip in that puzzle that would fix this country and give us the speed we need are the women folk. This is your call to action and development,” Tinubu added.

  • Don’t abuse trust reposed in us – Marwa warns NDLEA officers

    Don’t abuse trust reposed in us – Marwa warns NDLEA officers

    The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa has warned officers and men of the agency not to abuse the trust reposed on them by the public.

    Marwa gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja at the NDLEA’s end-of-year awards, commendation and decoration of promoted officers.

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari had done a lot in terms of welfare packages for the personnel and assured that the management would continue to prioritise their welfare, professionalism and work entitlements.

    According to him, the barrack project for officers and men is in full swing, an indicating that the future is bright for NDLEA personnel.

    “Therefore, we cannot afford to have officers that cross the lines in terms of temptations. You have got nothing to fear whether now or in retirement.

    “This is because we now have a good welfare package that should take care of you and your family on the job or in retirement,” he said.

    Marwa said that the agency was also exploring opportunities for national and international staff trainings.

    This he said was to further improve their professionalism and place them at par with the best narcotic officers in the world.

    The NDLEA chairman said that the agency had had a record number of diverse trainings in 2022 and assured that there were still more to come.

    “Hence, as you go back to your respective commands, let us take back the message to our colleagues that management has got your back.

    “As the year draws to an end, let us bear in mind that we must surpass our record of the past two years in 2023.

    “The goal of a drug-free Nigeria is attainable and that is our mandate.

    “Importantly, let us recognise that we are in a moment of history, therefore, we must seize the momentum and run a good race,” he added.

    Marwa said that the NDLEA management was committed to to improving productivity of all personnel, to meet the target of making Nigeria a drug-free country.

    Highlights of the event were presentations of awards, commendation letters and decoration of promoted officers to their new ranks, among others.

  • NDLEA seizes N6bn worth of drugs in Apapa

    NDLEA seizes N6bn worth of drugs in Apapa

    The Apapa Area Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said it seized 19,703.25 kgs of hard drugs, worth over N6 billion between January and June 20.

    Its Commander, Mr Ameh Inalegwu, disclosed this in Lagos.

    He said that the command was ready to curb the menace of illegal drug dealers in the nation’s maritime space.

    ” This is already validated by the numerous seizures recorded in few months,” Inalegwu said.

    ” The drugs seized within seven days included 1,518kgs of Tafrodol and Tramadol weighing 3,553 kilograms.

    ” This is in addition to the seizures of cough syrup with Codeine in January, 40.25 Kgs of the same cough syrup with Codeine in February , 12 kgs of another cough syrup with Codeine in March.

    ” The command also recovered 350 grams of Cocaine and 150 grams of Heroin in March.

    “In summary, the command recorded a total seizure of 19,703.25kgs of assorted illicit drugs between January and June 20,” he said.

    ”Operation of the command in maritime corridor saddled it with the responsibility of waging war against drug cartels.

    ”NDLEA is mindful of the status of the sea port as a gate way and the limitless opportunities it offered to ship hard drugs in large volumes.

    ” The volumes that far outstrip what can be smuggled in through land or air transportation.

    “However , NDLEA would make the port impregnable for the cartels,” he emphasised.

    Inalegwu commended the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa , for rekindling the war against drug cartels.

  • Legalising cannabis will cause setback for Nigeria – Marwa

    Legalising cannabis will cause setback for Nigeria – Marwa

    The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, on Monday condemned the move to legalise Cannabis Sativa in Nigeria.

    He called on all well-meaning individuals to resist such an attempt by some public office holders, saying it would frustrate the war against drug abuse in the country.

    “With over 8, 634 arrests; 2,776,000 kilogrammes of drugs worth over N100 billion seized; 1,630 convictions; 3,232 cases in court, and over 4,000 drug users counselled and rehabilitated between January and now, we are already making substantial progress in our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

    Marwa, who spoke when he visited Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, added, “We are, however, convinced that the ongoing attempts by some of our elected officials to legalise Cannabis which is being abused by over 10.6 million Nigerians will be a drawback for the achievements so far.

    “This is why I want to implore Your Excellency and Kano State not to support the attempt to legalise Cannabis.”

    The NDLEA chief, who led top officials of the agency on a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy visit to Kano, urged the governor not to support any bid by some elected officials to legalise Cannabis Sativa.

    NDLEA chief, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, presents a souvenir to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje during a visit to the Kano State Government House on August 30, 2021.

    According to him, the NDLEA is doing so much to cut availability and accessibility to illicit drugs across Nigeria and that any attempt to legalise the illicit substance will be a setback to the progress made so far.

    Marwa warned landlords to ensure that they do not accommodate drug traffickers in their houses, as the NDLEA would not hesitate to seek forfeiture of any property used to store illicit drugs when offenders are caught.

    He asked Governor Ganduje to support the NDLEA with 25 hectares of land to build barracks in the state and a property that would house a zonal command office in Kano.

    The anti-drug agency chief commended his host for making drug test a prerequisite for public officials and those aspiring into public office in the state.

    In his response, Governor Ganduje declared his opposition to any attempt to legalise Cannabis Sativa in the country even.

    For the governor, no lawmaker from the state will support such a bid in the National Assembly and the fight against drug abuse is key to winning the battle against insecurity in the country.

    He granted the requests for land and accommodation for a zonal command and assured his guest that the Kano State government would always discourage drug abuse and trafficking.

  • There’s urgent need to rid Nigeria of drug scourge – Marwa

    There’s urgent need to rid Nigeria of drug scourge – Marwa

    The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has called on all leaders and stakeholders across the country to see the urgent need to rid Nigeria of drug scourge.

    Marwa made the call at a public presentation of a book entitled: “Victory in Defeat” written by retired Brig.-Gen. Larinde Laoye on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi in Abuja, Marwa said that leaders at all levels must attach some urgency to the need to rid the society of the drug menace.

    Marwa said that it had become neccessary for NDLEA to advocate a new social order where drug test became the norm for couples as part of the wedding rites.

    He said that drug test for students as a continuous process starting from admission into tertiary institutions was not excluded.

    This, he said, included government employees as part of the employment process and periodic validation of their employment.

    He added that it was expedient to awaken the consciousness of the audience and indeed all Nigerians to the urgent need for them to support the NDLEA.

    He said the measures were efforts to save the country from the menace of abuse and trafficking of illicit substances.

    The NDLEA boss also said that it was the wish of the agency to see that the younger generation follow the illustrious path of Gen. Laoye.

    “Our record at the NDLEA in the first five months of this year calls for sober reflection.

    “More than 5, 000 arrests, more than 3, 000 charged to court with more than 500 convictions, 2,772 individuals were counselled and treated for drug-related problems.

    “More than two million kilogrammes of assorted drugs were seized and more than N90 billion worth of drugs and cash recovered.

    “These statistics are alarming and are red flags about the need to safeguard the future of the young generation.

    “We came from all the corners of this vast country of ours, north, east and west, united in a common purpose to honour our brother and felicitate an illustrious citizen.

    “In our common fellowship here today, there is no room for ethnicity, religious bias or political differences. We are here as one big family, as a microcosm of Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other dignitaries at the event included a former military governor of Lagos state, retiref Brig.-Gen. Raji Rasaki.

    Others are Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, represented by the GOC 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. G.U Chibuisi, the Olowu, Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu and Timi Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal, among others.

  • 10.6m Nigerians addicted to cannabis – Marwa

    10.6m Nigerians addicted to cannabis – Marwa

    The chairman/chief executive of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said that about 10.6 million Nigerians use cannabis.

    The chairman, who stated this at a press briefing to unveil a week-long programme of activities in commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Abuja, said the NDLEA will continue to burn any cannabis farm in Nigeria and arrest all those involved.

    Speaking on the regulations of cannabis, the NDLEA boss said the negative effects of drugs are too many and Nigerians cannot afford to risk to have laws backing Cannabis for now.

    The chairman also said, “the agency’s offensive action against drug cartels across the country launched some five months ago, has yielded over 2,180 arrests of drug traffickers and the seizure of over 2 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs. We have filed at least 2,100 drug cases in court, recording over 500 convictions with 1,549 cases pending in court.

    “These results have given us big insights into the magnitude of the drug problem.”

    Speaking on the theme for this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives, the chairman said: “it is very significant considering the unquantifiable and enormous danger posed by substance abuse. Abuse of narcotics has incapacitated the workforce of organisations and ruined communities and societies. It has brought about family disintegration, decimated the capacities of our youths and given rise to all types of crimes such as insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, rape and violent extremism which have befallen nations including our dear country Nigeria with attendant health consequences on the users.

    “The dynamism of the drug problem has made it imperative for us to continue to deepen our knowledge and understanding of this deleterious conundrum. In this regard, sharing facts about drug abuse and illicit trafficking in narcotics, as captured by this year’s theme, will go a long way in shedding some light on hitherto hidden factors that aid predisposition to substance abuse, especially the question of new psychoactive substances.

    “Drug abuse as an enabler of all forms of criminality is a hydra-headed monster that must be crushed if we must move forward as a nation. The solution lies in having hyper-efficient anti-drug machinery, which is what the NDLEA stands for.”

    Speaking on the activities of the NDLEA, Marwa said, “we have succeeded in boosting the morale and confidence of officers and men of the NDLEA through practical steps taken to address welfare and career stagnation issues. To this end, we instituted, among other measures, a bi-monthly assessment and cash-backed award for Best Performing Commands to motivate officers and men on the field. Recently, the agency promoted 3, 506 officers who have stagnated in the past years, some for upward of 10, 15 and even 20 years on one rank. One person actually stayed 21 years on one rank.”

    While speaking, Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe, said use of drugs is three times higher in Nigeria when compared to global average.

    He also said cannabis, heroine, cocaine, tramadol and codeine are the drugs prevalent in Nigeria and ages between 25 to 39 are involved in the drugs more.